This tropical contemporary Japanese-style Good Class Bungalow (GCB) in Singapore was designed under the QPSHIP of ONG&ONG Pte Ltd by Diego Molina and Maria Arango. It is a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired elegance and modern tropical design principles.
Nestled within Singapore’s lush greenery, it offers an experience of tranquility and luxury, capturing the essence of tropical living while incorporating minimalist Japanese aesthetics for a serene and comfortable retreat.
The bungalow features a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, a hallmark of tropical architecture. Expansive glass doors and windows frame the gardens, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and offering panoramic views of the landscape, blurring the boundaries between exterior and interior.
Multiple open-air terraces and patios enhance this connection, providing spaces for relaxation and outdoor dining amidst nature.
Simplicity and functionality, inspired by Japanese architecture, are central to the design. Clean lines, uncluttered layouts, and natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo create a warm, earthy atmosphere that aligns with wabi-sabi principles, celebrating natural imperfections and the passage of time.
A signature feature is the central courtyard, or tsubo-niwa, a tranquil garden space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass panels. This meditative environment, with carefully selected plants, water features, and natural stone, enhances the home's serenity.
The open-plan concept of the main living areas emphasizes space and flow, with interconnected yet distinct spaces like the living room, dining area, and kitchen, each offering views of the greenery or the courtyard. Minimalist furniture, low-profile seating, and natural textures reflect Japanese influences while maintaining a contemporary tropical style.
The kitchen blends form and function with clean lines, wooden cabinetry, and state-of-the-art appliances for aesthetic appeal and practicality. It opens to a cozy dining area with natural materials and simple design elements, creating an inviting space for family meals. An adjacent patio extends into the garden, enabling al fresco dining amidst tropical foliage.
Bedrooms serve as private sanctuaries, each with access to a garden or balcony. Sliding shoji-style screens provide privacy while maintaining openness.
Bathrooms feature open-air showers and freestanding tubs, offering a spa-like experience with stone finishes and wooden accents for a cohesive aesthetic connected to nature.
The exterior blends seamlessly with the environment using natural stone cladding and timber accents.
The roof, inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, has a slight incline with wide eaves for shade, enhancing energy efficiency. The design also facilitates cross-ventilation, ensuring a cool, comfortable environment in Singapore’s tropical climate.
This tropical contemporary Japanese GCB combines Japanese minimalism with tropical vibrancy, creating a luxurious, understated lifestyle that embraces Singapore’s natural beauty.
